Break It Up

The idea here is to take one of the numbers you’re adding and break it into easier chunks. Then, you add each chunk one at a time. This helps keep the process simpler when doing math in your head.

Let’s start with an example:

• We want to add 52 and 37.
• First, I’ll break up 37 into 30 and 7.
• Now, I add 52 + 30. That equals 82.
• Next, I add the remaining 7. That gives me 89.

Notice how I didn’t try to add 52 and 37 all at once. Instead, I took 37 and broke it into two parts, 30 and 7. By doing it in steps, it’s easier to keep track of the numbers.

Let’s try another example:

• We have 524 + 260.
• I’ll break up 260 into 200 and 60.
• First, add 524 + 200. That equals 724.
• Next, add 60. Now we’re at 784.

Breaking up numbers is helpful because you only focus on smaller pieces each time. This makes mental math far less intimidating.

I want you to practice this method now. Here are some addition problems. For each one, choose one of the numbers to break up into parts. Then add each part, step by step. Remember, take your time and do all of this in your head if you can.

• 48 + 21Hint: You might break up 21 into 20 and 1. Add 48 and 20 first, then add 1.
• 53 + 34Try breaking up 34 into 30 and 4.
• 34 + 52Or this time, maybe break up 52 into 50 and 2.
• 456 + 120120 can be broken into 100 and 20.
• 438 + 340Think about 340 as 300 and 40.
• 629 + 310Break up 310 into 300 and 10.
• 400 + 231Or split 231 into 200, 30, and 1.
• 456 + 42You could do 42 as 40 and 2.
• 381 + 405Either number can be broken up. It’s your choice.
• 705 + 220

• 220 can be split into 200 and 20.

As you do each problem, remember the steps:

• Pick one number to break apart.
• Add that part to the other number.
• Add the second part (or third, if needed).
• Keep going until you’ve added all the chunks.

That’s the essence of “Break It Up.” By adding smaller chunks, you’ll find it much easier to keep track of the total in your head. Keep practicing, and you’ll get faster and more confident with each problem.